As an alternative, rune can be started using the java executable:
java -jar e.jar --rune

Running an E script from rune

There are two ways to start an E script using rune.
First, you can give the name of the script as a command line argument:

./rune example.e

Second, you can start the script directly from the E command prompt, which can save some time because the running java VM is used:

? rune(["example.e"])

Command history

The interactive E interpreter does not provide command history. Under windows, the shell has its own command history, which can be used by pressing the up and down arrow keys.
If your system does not provide command history, you can try RLWrap.